When is a head bump dangerous?
This was buried in the Natasha Richardson thread, and I'm interested to hear what the medical guys have to say, so ...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jim S
Second, I'm guessing she had a 'lucid interval' commonly associated with epidural hematomas. They are produced by arterial bleeding and can be very nasty and often fatal. Fatal and nasty I guess can go in the same sentence. A common injury is the site of the head with rupture of the MMA (middle meningeal artery).
Subdural hematomas are far more common and with a lower fatality rate but not associate with a lucid interval.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Neurodoc
It's possible to have a "lucid interval" with a SDH as well as a EDH.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
woodstocksez
So, what to do, then? I've banged my head pretty good several times in the last couple of years, but felt OK (had a little tingling in some part of my body one time) and just continued skiing. It seems overkill to end the day and go to the hospital every time you bang your head. So, are you just at the mercy of the fates? Or are there signs that indicate that something serious might be happening (e.g., if a headache comes on, go to the hospital)?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
splat
Slurred speech is a telltale sign that there is something going on.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
booner
My question too. I mean this is just scary shit. Who DOESN'T hit their head hard every once in a while.
Slurred speech. Headache. (Is it already too late if you're experiencing those?) Any signs to look for after you bang your head that would indicate something seriously bad is happening?